Bongi Khumalo
Econet Infrastructure Company (Econet InfraCo) has commenced Phase 1 of a 100MW solar farm development, marking a strategic pivot toward clean energy and grid independence across its assets.
The solar farm, developed under the group’s PowerCo division, will supply clean power to the upcoming Econet Tech City development.
The initiative forms part of a broader acceleration of the company’s solar deployment across its national telecommunications and infrastructure footprint.
“A key development during the quarter was the commencement of Phase One of the 100MW solar farm. Once fully operational, this facility will supply clean, renewable energy to developments within the Econet Tech City,” Econet InfraCo said in a trading update for the period ended May 31, 2026.
The shift toward solar infrastructure is serving as a key operational shield against global fuel market volatility.
Econet InfraCo noted that geopolitical disturbances in the Middle East have driven up local diesel prices in Zimbabwe.
While the country has avoided physical fuel supply disruptions, rising costs have intensified the need to reduce reliance on diesel backup generators and mitigate the risk of erratic national grid power.
Through PowerCo, Econet InfraCo said it provides reliable, sustainable power services to both telecom and non-telecom clients.
“For our telecom clients, our operational strategy is centred on the progressive deployment of solar energy to sites. This strategic pivot reduces reliance on diesel generators and mitigates the effects of erratic grid supply,” the group said.
To improve system efficiency, Econet InfraCo is pairing its physical solar installations with artificial intelligence.
During the quarter, the company expanded the rollout of an AI Fuel Manager system to optimise fuel utilisation and predictive generator maintenance.
Coupled with an AI-enabled Remote Monitoring System and digital twin technology, the automated management strategy has lowered energy consumption while maintaining network availability.
Beyond powering telecom towers, PowerCo is expanding its business model to offer energy-as-a-service across non-telecom client segments.
The company said it is expanding its overall solar portfolio, which remains a core priority for the remainder of the financial year alongside its ongoing tower expansions.
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